Can I put a wool dry clean only on a wool wash in washing maching?

blackstar

Hello all,
I have a wool jacket which says dry clean only and says WOOL. But I have a wool wash on my washing machine. Its a hour long cycle.
What would you all do? how best to wash it? any special soaps? or should I hand wash it?
Thanks all in advance. 

ciderboy2009

Personally I would get it dry cleaned rather than risk using water on it.

Andy_L

How much is it worth?

If its a £40 cheapo I'd risk it in the machine with some wool wash detergent.
If its expensive/has sentimental value I'd follow the manufactures instructions & take it down the dry cleaners

TELLIT01

You can put anything into a washing machine, but whether it's a good idea or not is a different matter.  I wouldn't risk it with wool as it can shrink even if washing directions seem to be followed to the letter.

Slightly different situation where I have a fleece which states 'Do not use conditioner'. My missus was going to put it in with other washing, using these pod jobbies which include conditioner.  I managed to get it back in time.

Brie

The problem with jackets and in particular structured ones is not the wool fabric but the interfacing that gives you the lovely stiff lapels and smooth jacket front.  Many manufacturers use interfacing that is glued to the wool fabric - a hot iron process.  Normal wool washing may loosen the glue that binds the 2 fabrics and it's very easy to end up with a bubble effect which will ruin the look.  Dry cleaning can also have this effect if it's a very cheaply made item but it's less likely than when using water and detergent.  And with dry cleaning you will expect they will press the jacket correctly once it's cleaned.

You could as an alternative try spot cleaning any particular problem areas and thorough airing then storing with lavender or cedar to make it smell cleaner.  Should it be a very nice jacket bought from the charity shop and previously worn by a heavy smoker this process might take a couple of months to be effective.

You could also try one of those spray odour remover products always advertised on TV.  I don't like the smell so never use them myself but they seem to be popular.

goldfinches

Brie said:

The problem with jackets and in particular structured ones is not the wool fabric but the interfacing that gives you the lovely stiff lapels and smooth jacket front.  Many manufacturers use interfacing that is glued to the wool fabric - a hot iron process.  Normal wool washing may loosen the glue that binds the 2 fabrics and it's very easy to end up with a bubble effect which will ruin the look.  Dry cleaning can also have this effect if it's a very cheaply made item but it's less likely than when using water and detergent.  And with dry cleaning you will expect they will press the jacket correctly once it's cleaned.

You could as an alternative try spot cleaning any particular problem areas and thorough airing then storing with lavender or cedar to make it smell cleaner.  Should it be a very nice jacket bought from the charity shop and previously worn by a heavy smoker this process might take a couple of months to be effective.

You could also try one of those spray odour remover products always advertised on TV.  I don't like the smell so never use them myself but they seem to be popular.

I concur wholeheartedly with the above and am commenting to say that over the last two or three years I have noticed that the number of cleaners who do skilled tailoring has increased in my local area and wonder if this also applies to your area. The way to tell around here is whether or not there is a professional sewing machine in the window so have a look around. I've had a trouser zip replaced and bits of a backpack mended for £15 each time which was very much worth the money.

Sandtree

blackstar said:

Hello all,
I have a wool jacket which says dry clean only and says WOOL. But I have a wool wash on my washing machine. Its a hour long cycle.
What would you all do? how best to wash it? any special soaps? or should I hand wash it?
Thanks all in advance. 

A wool jacket is made up of a number of layers of different materials that are either stitched or glued together (later being the cheaper). The issue is less that washing will loosen the glue but that the different materials will shrink by differing amounts in the wash distorting the jacket.

If its a cheapo and you dont care then press it as soon as its out the washer and dry flat and try to keep it in shape as it dries.

Why do you need to wash it though? Wool doesn't hold smells like other materials and you are generally better off doing spot cleaning if you have picked up marks etc 

koalakoala

I have dry cleaning sheets I put with clothes in the dryer.
Not sure if they are still available, as I haven't seen them in the shops here for some time.
I can send you one if you like

Emmia

koalakoala said:

I have dry cleaning sheets I put with clothes in the dryer.
Not sure if they are still available, as I haven't seen them in the shops here for some time.
I can send you one if you like

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Original-OZ-Kleen-Cleaners-Secret-Cleaning/dp/B00L81U2SA